Seating unit

ABSTRACT

A seating unit comprising a fixed seating section and one or more end seating sections at one end or at the opposite end of the fixed seating section, which end sections are pivotally secured to the fixed seating section so that they may be moved or pivoted outwardly in relation to the fixed seating section to permit persons to move or slide into the fixed seating section without discomfort or inconveniencing the others seated.

United States Patent V 1151 3,706,471

Shimosawa 1 1 1972 [54] SEATING UNIT 1,586,487 5/1926 Thixton ..297/1s7 1,983,559 12/1934 Noll, Sr. ..297/158 [72] Inventor chcagm i 2,264,491 12/194 Ward ..297/249 x 73] Assignee; ik Co" Chicago, 1 3,477,760 1 H1969 Bue et al. ..297/157 [22] Filed: 1970 Primary Examiner-Bobby R. Gay

[21] APPL No: 83,116 Assistant Examiner-Glenn O. Finch- Attorney-Max R. Kraus [52] US. Cl ..297/15 8 [57] ABSTRACT [51] Int. Cl. ..A47b 39/00 A seating unit comprising a fixed seating section and one or more end seating sections at one end or at the opposite end of the fixed seating section; which end sections are pivotally secured to the fixed seating sec- [58] Field of Search ..297/l40l45, 249, 297/135, 238,157,158,159,l72;248/188.1

[56] References (med tion so that they may be moved or pivoted outwardly UNITED STATES PATENTS in relation to thefixed seating section to permit persons to move or slide into the fixed seating section 2,409,805 10/1946 Shikles ..297/l58 without discomfort or ingonveniencing the others 190,169 5/1877 Taylor ..297/249 Seated 3 ,002,7 87 10/ l 961 Ziegenfuss ..297/249 1,903,954 4/1933 Blumenthal ..297/158 6 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTEDDEB 19 I972 SHEEI 2 0F 2 FIG. 4

SEATING UNIT BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One of the objects of this invention is to provide a seating unit which forms a booth which is positioned around a table. Said seating unit is provided with a central fixed seating section to accommodate a plurality of persons, and end seating sections which are pivotally movable with respect to the central fixed seating section to permit persons to be readily first seated on the fixed seating section without sliding over a large seating area and then moving the end sections into seating position and locking same in said seating position so that the end seating sections form a continuous seat with said fixed seating section.

Another object of this invention is to provide a seating unit having a fixed central curved seating section and pivoted end curved seating sections which form a generally C-shaped configuration in plan, positioned around a table of a generally circular shape and so constructed that it can accommodate eight or more persons and yet provide the means whereby the persons do not have to slide over any substantial seating area when being seated.

Another object of this invention is to provide a seating unit comprising a central fixed seating section having a straight seating portion and opposite end seating portions extending at right angles to the straight seating portion, and pivoted end seating sections secured to the ends of the opposite end seating portions to form a generally U-shaped booth in plan positioned around a square or rectangular-shaped table. This invention has particular application for restaurants which utilize booths to accommodate the largest number of persons possible around an eating table. In prior constructed seating units, particularly those adapted to accommodate six or more persons around a table, it was necessary for the persons centrally seated to slide over the entire seating area before they were seated. Thiswas very objectionable and inconvenient in that the persons clothing would become disarranged, it was time consuming, and physical effort would have to be expended. With this invention these objectionable features are eliminated.

Other objects will become apparent as this description progresses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 3 is a rear view showing a portion of the seating unit and showing the end seating section'in its closed position.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view showing the end seating sec tion in a partially moved-away position from the central section, and

FIG. 5 is a top plan view, in reduced scale, of the seating unit which is generally U-shaped in plan.

FIGURES 1 THROUGH 4 The seating unit shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, generally indicated at 10, is of a curved shape having a common radius and comprises a central fixed curved seating section 12 with opposite end curved seating I sections 14 which are pivotally movable with respect to the central fixed seating section 12. The central fixed seating section 12 and the two opposite end seating sec tions 14 when in closed or seating position have the same radius and would prescribe a circle if continued. As can best be seen in FIG. 1, the unit forms a C-shape in plan. v

The central fixed seating section 12 comprises a seat portion 16 and a back portion 18 which are supported on a base structure 20, which base structure is secured in a fixed position to the floor or supporting surface 22. The seat andback portions are suitably upholstered or cushioned. The central fixed seating section 12 is curved and is of an area toprovide a plurality of fixed seats. Eight seats designated by the letters A to H inclusive, are shown in FIG. 1, although there may be fewer seats if desired. 4

The opposite end seating sections 14 are each curved and each comprises a seat portion 24 and a back portion 26 which are supported on a base structure 28. The base structure 28 of the end seating section is elevated from the floor surface 22 and is supported on three rollers or casters 30. Each end seating section 14 is pivotally or hingedly connected by hinge means 32to the central fixed seating section 12 so that they each may be moved or pivoted away from the central fixed seating section, as best shown in full lines on the right side of FIG. 1. In this pivoted or open ended position the opposite end seats A and H of the fixed central seating section 12 become in effect the first opposite end seats.

Assuming that it is desired that all of the seats be occupied, and with both the end sections 14 open or swung out, as shown on the right side of FIG. 1, the persons to be seated in seats D and B would move in from each of the opposite ends to occupy said seats. The remaining seats would be similarly occupied. At most, only a relatively short area would have to be slid over. With the persons seated in the central fixed seating section the end'sections 14 would be pivoted or moved to their closed seating position, as best shown in dotted lines on the right side of FIG. 1, and in full lines on the left side.

Each of the movable end sections 14 is of a size to form two seats, I and J, and K and L. Each end section has, a vertically supported slidable locking rod or bolt 34 provided with a knob 36 at the top thereof. The rod is suitably supported on the end section and said -rod extends below the bottom of the base and is of a length to enter an opening 38 provided in the floor surface 22. When the bottom of the rod enters the opening tinuous curved seating arrangement which if continued would prescribe a circle. The knobs 36 permit the rods pivotal movement.

The seating unit is positioned around a generally circular table 40, as best shown in dotted lines in-FlG.

' 1. With the end seating sections 14 in closed or seating position, the front of the table 42, that is, the area between the outermost seats I and L of the-end sections 14 is free or exposed for access to the table by a waiter or attendant. Each of theseats A to H on the fixed central seating section 12 and the seats I, J, and K, L, on the end sections are shaped so that the widest portion of the seat is adjacent the back portion, progressively decreasing in width to the front of the seat. The front of the seats are likewise curved and all have the same radius.

FIGURE 5 FIG. 5 shows the seating unit of thieinvention angled forwardly extending seating portions 12b. The

opposite end seating sections 14' which are straight are each pivotally secured as at 32' to the right angled portions 12b. The booth formed by this seating unit is of a generally shaped configuration in plan and is adapted to be positioned around a rectangular or square-shaped table T. The central fixed seating section 12"can accommodate persons in seated position along the straight portion 12a as well as along the forwardly extending right-angled portions 121;. The straight opposite pivotally movable end sections 14' can also each accommodate one or more persons. The pivotally movable end sections 14' are each provided with rollers or casters, like the rollers or casters 30 previously described, and they each have a slidable locking rod or bolt, like 34, which engage suitable openings or recesses in the floor for locking the end sections in fixed seating position relative to the central fixed seating section 12'.

What is claimed is:

l. A seating unit for use in connection with a fixed table and a fixed table top wherein the seating unit is positioned around the major portion of the table, said seating unit accommodating a plurality of individuals in seated position, said seating unit comprising a centrally positioned fixed seating section fixed with respect to the table and to the floor or supporting surface, said fixed seating section having a continuous back and a continuous seat which follow the peripheral contour of the table top and accommodate a plurality of personsin seated position, a pivotal end seating section at each of the opposite ends of said centrally positioned fixed seating section, each said pivotal end section having a seat and a back, hinging means at the opposite ends of the fixed seating section and the adjacent inner ends of each of the pivotal end sections to permit independent pivoting of said end sections in relation to said fixed seating section, said end sections following the peripheral contour of the table top when said end sections are positioned in closed seating position adjacent the ends of the fixed seating sectionand when in such position forming a continuous seating surface and a continuous back surface with said fixed seating section, said end sections having rollers at the bottom thereof adapted to rest on the floor surface, said end seating sections when pivoted outwardly away from the table permitting ready access to said fixed seatingsection for seating purposes without interference from said hinging means. a

2. A structure as set forth in claim 1 in which each of the end sectionslhas means for engaging means on the floor or supporting surface for locking said end sections against pivotal movement with respect to, said fixed section.

, 3. A seating unit as set forth in claim 1 in which the fixed table top is generally circular and in'which the fixed seating section is of arcua te shape and in which each of the pivotal end sections are curvilinear'so that when the end sections are positioned in closed seating position the fixed. seating section and the end sections form a C-shaped configuration in plan.

4. A- seating unit as set forth in claim 3 in which the fixed arcuate-shaped seating section is formed of a plurality of adjacent seats in abutting relation and in which each said seat has the narrowest portion adjacent the front and the widest portion adjacent the back of the seat, and in which the pivotal end sections each have seats in which the narrowest portion is adjacent the front and the widest portion is adjacent the back of the seat.

5. A seating unit for use in connectionfwith a fixed tableand a fixed substantially 1 circular table top wherein the seating unit is positioned around the major portion of the table, said seating unit accommodating a plurality of individuals in seated position, said seating unit comprising a fixed arcuate-shaped seating section fixed with respect to the table and to the floor or sup- I porting surface, said'arcuate-shaped fixed seating section havinga continuous seat and back and accommodating a plurality of persons in seated position, a pivotal end seating section at one of the opposite ends of said fixed seating section, said pivotal end section having a seat and back, hinging means at the end of the fixed seating section and the adjacent inner end of the end section, said end section having a curvilinear shape so that when said end section is positioned in closed seating position adjacent the end of the fixed seating section same forms. a continuous arcuate shape and forms a continuous seating surface and continuous back surface with said fixed seating section, said end section having rollers at the bottom thereof adapted to rest on the floor surface,'said end seating section when pivoted outwardly away from the table permitting ready access to said fixed seating section for seating purposes without interference from said hinging means.

6. A seating unit as set forth in claim 5 in which the end section has means for engaging means on the floor or supporting surface for locking said end section against pivotal movement with respect to said fixed section. 

1. A seating unit for use in connection with a fixed table and a fixed table top wherein the seating unit is positioned around the major portion of the table, said seating unit accommodating a plurality of individuals in seated position, said seating unit comprising a centrally positioned fixed seating section fixed with respect to the table and to the floor or supporting surface, said fixed seating section having a continuous back and a continuous seat which follow the peripheral contour of the table top and accommodate a plurality of persons in seated position, a pivotal end seating section at each of the opposite ends of said centrally positioned fixed seating section, each said pivotal end section having a seat and a back, hinging means at the opposite ends of the fixed seating section and the adjacent inner ends of each of the pivotal end sections to permit independent pivoting of said end sections in relation to said fixed seating section, said end sections following the peripheral contour of the table top when said end sections are positioned in closed seating position adjacent the ends of the fixed seating section and when in such position forming a continuous seating surface and a continuous back surface with said fixed seating section, said end sections having rollers at the bottom thereof adapted to rest on the floor surface, said end seating sections when pivoted outwardly away from the table permitting ready access to said fixed seating section for seating purposes without interference from said hinging means.
 2. A structure as set forth in claim 1 in which each of the end sections has means for engaging means on the floor or supporting surface for locking said end sections against pivotal movement with respect to said fixed section.
 3. A seating unit as set forth in claim 1 in which the fixed table top is generally circular and in which the fixed seating section is of arcuate shape and in which each of the pivotal end sections are curvilinear so that when the end sections are positioned in closed seating position the fixed seating section and thE end sections form a C-shaped configuration in plan.
 4. A seating unit as set forth in claim 3 in which the fixed arcuate-shaped seating section is formed of a plurality of adjacent seats in abutting relation and in which each said seat has the narrowest portion adjacent the front and the widest portion adjacent the back of the seat, and in which the pivotal end sections each have seats in which the narrowest portion is adjacent the front and the widest portion is adjacent the back of the seat.
 5. A seating unit for use in connection with a fixed table and a fixed substantially circular table top wherein the seating unit is positioned around the major portion of the table, said seating unit accommodating a plurality of individuals in seated position, said seating unit comprising a fixed arcuate-shaped seating section fixed with respect to the table and to the floor or supporting surface, said arcuate-shaped fixed seating section having a continuous seat and back and accommodating a plurality of persons in seated position, a pivotal end seating section at one of the opposite ends of said fixed seating section, said pivotal end section having a seat and back, hinging means at the end of the fixed seating section and the adjacent inner end of the end section, said end section having a curvilinear shape so that when said end section is positioned in closed seating position adjacent the end of the fixed seating section same forms a continuous arcuate shape and forms a continuous seating surface and continuous back surface with said fixed seating section, said end section having rollers at the bottom thereof adapted to rest on the floor surface, said end seating section when pivoted outwardly away from the table permitting ready access to said fixed seating section for seating purposes without interference from said hinging means.
 6. A seating unit as set forth in claim 5 in which the end section has means for engaging means on the floor or supporting surface for locking said end section against pivotal movement with respect to said fixed section. 